A Craven County man accused of stabbing his 46-year-old brother and cutting his 79-year-old mother with a knife at the James City home they shared could face up to 27 years in prison.

Delgen Foye, 50, made his first court appearance in the case Monday morning in Craven County District Court. He was led into the courtroom in shackles, wearing an orange jump suit. At one point, he yawned when Judge Clint Rowe explained the charges against him.

District Attorney Scott Thomas said Delgen Foye was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury for allegedly stabbing his brother, Britts Foye, who later died. He is being held in jail in lieu of a $200,000 secured bond on that charge.

Thomas said once the investigation is completed by Craven County Sheriff’s investigators, he would determine whether to charge Delgen Foye with murder.

Delgen Foye also is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to inflict serious injury for allegedly cutting his mother Cora Foye’s wrist. Delgen Foye is being held in lieu of a $100,000 secured bond on that charge.

The judge appointed Kelly Greene as Delgen Foye’s attorney. His next court date is July 8.

Investigators say the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. Friday at the Foyes’ John Street residence.

Sgt. Mark Weaver of the Craven County Sheriff’s Department said Delgen Foye had fled from the house by the time deputies arrived. A canvass was conducted of the neighborhood, and Delgen Foye was found in a neighbor’s house.

No charges have been filed against the person who took in Delgen Foye, but that is still being investigated, Weaver said.

Drugs and alcohol may have been involved in the incident, he said.

Britts Foye, 46, died Friday at Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, according to Capt. Joe Heckman of the Craven County Sheriff’s Department. Heckman said in an interview Saturday that deputies had been to the Foyes’ residence on numerous occasions for incidents including violence and assaults.

According to deputies, Delgen Foye allegedly used a butcher knife in the attack on his brother and mother. Cora Foye was taken to CarolinaEast Medical Center for treatment on her wrist.

Britts Foye was stabbed in the chest and bicep, according to deputies. He was first transported to CarolinaEast Medical Center and then airlifted to Vidant Medical Center.

Staff Writer Charlie Hall contributed to this story.

Eddie Fitzgerald can be reached at 252-635-5675 or at eddie.fitzgerald@newbernsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @staffwriter3.